to take bargain-hunting too far: 1. Education and ... Many plastic surgeons offer financing options and accept credit ca
10 Reasons You Should Never Choose the Least Expensive Plastic Surgeon When it comes to your face and body, the lowest price isn’t necessarily a bargain; your appearance and self-image are too valuable to entrust to anyone less than a boardcertified plastic surgeon practicing in an accredited facility. Inexpensive may seem good in the short-term, but you’re much more likely to be satisfied with your results for the next several years if you invest the time — and money — into finding the best surgeon you can afford. Here are some things to look for in your surgeon before you’re tempted to take bargain-hunting too far: 1. Education and training: It goes without saying that the most skilled plastic surgeons have attended medical schools and rigorous certification programs. Doctors who are not as skilled or experienced may offer lower prices in order to attract more patients. Of course, there are plenty of qualified plastic surgeons with affordable fees, but always be sure to thoroughly investigate your surgeon’s credentials before entrusting him or her with your face or body. 2. Staff: If the practice isn’t very profitable, they may not be paying their staff well or investing in training programs for them. Without such professional support, office employees may be less attentive to or engaged by their work, resulting in a less comfortable patient experience. 3. Professional reputation: If the practice is struggling, the surgeon(s) may not be actively pursuing research or contributing to professional organizations. It’s important to work with a doctor who is up to date on the latest developments in the field. 4. Facility: Often the cost of the surgery includes the facility fee. An unusually low price tag may mean the facility isn’t up to the highest standards, or that the price quoted may not include the facility at all, surprisingly you later with another charge. 5. Services and support: Exceptional plastic surgeons often build successful practices by offering patients “whole package” care, which often includes assisting them with travel and recovery arrangements, financing, etc. A bargain-priced surgeon may be unable or unwilling to offer the same level of personalized care, and the total cost to you may be greater than you expect. 6. Increased risk of need for revision surgery: If your surgeon isn’t sufficiently skilled, you’re more likely to be dissatisfied with his or her work. You may end up paying even more to have revision surgery from a more expensive (but more qualified) doctor. 7. Business over people: A practice that is driven primarily by finances may focus more on the business of selling products and procedures, rather than the service of helping patients. They may be less likely to point out a patient’s unrealistic expectations, for example, out of fear of losing a potential customer, or more likely to rush a patient through the appointment, to be able to move on to the next one sooner.
8. Risk of hidden charges: The price you see advertised may not include the consultation fee or charges for the facility and anesthesiologist. You may also find yourself pressured by “upselling” unnecessary add-ons. 9. Doctor-patient trust: If you choose a surgeon based solely on price, it’s likely that he or she knows this and is less attentive to building the foundation of trust that is essential to a productive relationship with the patient. 10. But the most important reason is also the simplest: You deserve the best. Why put yourself through the stress of trying to figure out whether an inexpensive plastic surgeon is “good enough”? Choose the doctor whose skills and experience you trust most. Many plastic surgeons offer financing options and accept credit cards, so you may not need to pay for your procedure all at once. At the end of your journey, you’ll be glad you made the right choice for the right reasons.
